8 - Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy of Brain Vascular Imaging in Small Animal Tumor Model Using Nanosecond Solid-State Laser

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the biological applications of optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) system in brain in vivo label-free imaging. The OR-PAM system is mainly composed of photoacoustic (PA) imaging system and laser source. The solid-state nanosecond laser is widely used as the pumping source to generate efficient signal for PA effect. The application of OR-PAM system is presented to monitor the vascular disrupting agent (VDA) therapeutic effect of glioma tumor. This work illustrates the aspects of contrast agent–free, high spatial resolution and brain vascular imaging for OR-PAM in small animal model.